Fellowships, Grants, &amp; Awards
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2004)

Model OrganismsThis Program Announcement (PA) is to encourage investigator-initiated applications for research designed to generate genetic tools and genomic resources that will enable researchers to exploit the full potential of novel or developing model systems for comparative and functional genomic studies.The typical model organism to be considered should have a publicly available draft of the genomic DNA sequence with a minimum of 5X coverage.In addition, it should have at least one of the following characteristics: shows promise as, or is, a model for basic biological or behavioral mechanisms; occupies an important evolutionary niche that may yield novel insights in comparative studies; or has potential as, or is, a model for developmental or disease processes.Applicants are expected to ensure that reagents, technologies, and resources developed under this initiative are made widely available to the research community.This PA is not intended to encourage genome sequencing projects or studies of model organisms for which there are well-established databases and other genome-related resources, e.g, mouse, Drosophila, C. elegans, and S. cerevisiae.In general, resources to study organisms that fit primarily within the mission of another National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institute or Center, such as pathogenic microorganisms, are not encouraged through this PA.The advent of the genomic era has been a boon for the investigation of a growing number of model organisms.Completion of DNA sequencing of each genome presents opportunities for novel insights into genomic function, the regulation of gene expression, and evolutionary processes.Yet, the large scale of many sequencing projects and the sheer volume of sequence data create a considerable challenge for the individual investigator as well as consortia of researchers to obtain the resources and tools required to make maximal use of genomic information for comparative or functional studies.The major goal of this PA is to support research that will enhance the usefulness of DNA sequence information for newly emerging or developing model organisms for which there are limited genomic resources.Objectives to be addressed in applications submitted in response to this PA include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) improvements in tools for mining of data for genomes having unique composition or structure; 2) improved database management and integration with other databases (requests for the maintenance of databases alone are not encouraged); 3) generation of comprehensive cDNA libraries; 4) development of microarray reagents and/or services; 5) improved methods for linking expression arrays with standard phenotypes or with specific biological or behavioral outcomes; 6) development of novel approaches for mutagenesis and for rapid identification and characterization of point mutations; 7) development of novel transposable element-based techniques for the generation of knockouts or other mutations; 8)improvements in gene transfer technology and in vectors for genomic manipulation; and 9) generation of sets of gene knockouts or knock-downs.This PA will use the NIH research resource grant (R24) mechanism.Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant.The total project period for an application submitted in response to this PA may not exceed four years.A maximum of $250,000 direct costs (exclusive of subcontractual indirect costs) per year will be provided.